JLS Immigration Lawyer Specialists

10/10/2025

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/10_00237.html

〒100-8973　東京都千代田区霞が関1-1-1　中央合同庁舎６号館 ℡045-370-9755（代表） （法人番号：7000012030004） ※一般の方からの出入（帰）国記録、外国人登録原票等の開示請求についてのお問合せは総務課出入国情報開示係 ℡...

07/10/2025

【Title】 For foreign nationals thinking about changing jobs! Have you heard of the super-convenient "Certificate of Authorized Employment"? 🤔💼
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Hello! When you're looking for a job or moving to a new company in Japan, have you ever worried, "Can I work this job with my current visa?"
That's when the "Certificate of Authorized Employment" (就労資格証明書 - Shuro Shikaku Shomeisho) becomes your best friend!
✅ What is a Certificate of Authorized Employment? In short, it's an official document issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan that certifies which types of work you are permitted to do under your current status of residence.
✅ What are the benefits? Having this certificate makes things much smoother, especially when changing jobs.
1. Peace of mind for your new employer! When hiring a foreign national, a new company always has to check, "Does this person have the proper authorization to work for us?" By showing them this certificate, they can immediately confirm that you are permitted to perform the job duties, which can potentially speed up the hiring process.
2. Smoother renewal of your period of stay! It is said that obtaining a Certificate of Authorized Employment beforehand can make the screening process for your visa renewal smoother after changing jobs. It helps reduce the risk of facing a situation during renewal where you're told, "Your new job does not fall under your status of residence."
✅ Who can apply? Individuals holding a status of residence that permits work in Japan, such as "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services," "Skilled Labor," or "Business Manager," are eligible.
✅ How do you apply? You can apply at the Immigration Bureau that has jurisdiction over the area where you live. You'll submit the application form along with the necessary documents after you have a job offer from your new company.
⚠️ Important Notes
• Obtaining this certificate is not mandatory. However, it's like a good-luck charm that can provide peace of mind.
• There is a fee for the application.
• Please be sure to check the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for details on the required documents and procedures!
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For everyone aiming to advance their career in Japan, consider getting a "Certificate of Authorized Employment"! 👍

06/10/2025

📢 To all foreign residents in Japan: What you need to know about the "Dependent" visa to live with your family.
For those of you working or studying in Japan, have you ever considered bringing your family from your home country to live with you? The status of residence required for this is called "Dependent" (家族滞在 - Kazoku Taizai).

Here are the key points you should know about this "Dependent" visa.

What is a "Dependent" visa anyway?
The "Dependent" visa is a status of residence that can be obtained by the spouse or child of a foreign national (the supporter) who is residing in Japan under a specific status of residence and is financially supporting them. For example, individuals residing in Japan with statuses such as "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" or "Student" are eligible to sponsor dependents.

Who can you bring to Japan?
Basically, the supporter's

spouse and children are eligible.

Spouse: Must be legally married.

Child: This includes legitimate children, adopted children, and acknowledged illegitimate children.

Important Point: The "Dependent" visa only permits the daily activities of a family member who is being financially supported.

Can you work with a "Dependent" visa?
As a general rule, you cannot engage in activities that generate income with a "Dependent" visa. However, if you apply for and receive "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted" (資格外活動許可), you can work part-time (like an arubaito) for up to 28 hours per week.

Points to note when applying:
Ability to Support: The supporter's financial ability to support their family in Japan will be examined.

Proof of Relationship: Official documents proving the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, are required.

Bringing your family to Japan can bring great joy and peace of mind to your life. If you have any concerns about the procedures, consider consulting with your local Immigration Services Agency or a specialist.

We hope this information helps make your life in Japan even more fulfilling.

03/10/2025

【Share with everyone working in Japan! 🇯🇵】 What happens to your visa if you lose your job for company reasons? Important rules you need to know!
Hello everyone! While working in Japan, have you ever felt anxious and wondered, "What if my company's business performance worsens and I'm laid off?" or "Will I lose my visa immediately?"
But please don't worry. Under Japan's rules, if you lose your job for reasons that are not your fault, such as company bankruptcy or restructuring, you do not have to return to your home country right away. Here is an introduction to an important system that protects you in such "what if" moments.

✅ Point 1: You can job hunt with your current visa until its expiration date. Even if you are notified of your dismissal, you can stay in Japan to look for a new job with your current visa, such as "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" or "Specified Skilled Worker," until the expiration date written on your Residence Card.
✅ Point 2: There is a special visa to continue job hunting even after your current one expires. You don't need to give up if you haven't found a new job by the time your visa is about to expire. You can apply to the Immigration Services Agency to change your status of residence to "Designated Activities" (特定活動) and continue your job search.
• For those with "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" visa, etc. → A stay of up to 6 months may be permitted.
• For those with a "Specified Skilled Worker" visa → A stay of up to 4 months may be permitted.
【NOTE!】 This "Designated Activities" status of residence cannot be extended for the reason of continuing to job hunt. Let's make sure to find a new job within the permitted period.
✅ Point 3: You can work part-time to cover living expenses while job hunting. If you are concerned about living expenses while looking for a job, you'll be okay. If you apply for and are granted a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted," you will be allowed to work part-time for up to 28 hours per week.
This system is an important safety net to protect your life and career in Japan in case of an emergency. Please "save" this post and "share" it with any friends or colleagues who might be in a difficult situation!

02/10/2025

Hello! Are you enjoying your life in Japan? 😊
For those thinking, "I want to live in Japan forever," obtaining "Permanent Resident" status is a major goal. This time, I'll explain the important requirements for getting permanent residency, especially the key points you need to be careful about! 🇯🇵✨
First, what's required for Permanent Residency?
To get approved for permanent residency, there are three main requirements:
1. Be of good conduct (Good Conduct Requirement) You must be law-abiding and live a respectable life as a member of society.
2. Have sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living (Independent Livelihood Requirement) You need to have a stable income or assets to support yourself and your family. It's important that you are not a public burden (e.g., receiving public assistance).
3. Your permanent residence is deemed to be in the interest of Japan (National Interest Requirement) This includes factors like residing in Japan for a long period and fulfilling your public duties, such as paying taxes.
【Most Important!】 3 Key Points to Watch Out For!
During the screening process, taxes, social insurance, and annual income are looked at very closely. Let's make sure you're prepared!
1. Tax Payments: It's All About "When" You Paid
Paying your taxes properly is an absolute must. The key point is "whether you paid them by the due date."
• Is paying late a deal-breaker? Even if you pay everything before you apply, if you have a history of "not paying by the original deadline," it will generally be viewed negatively. Unless there are unavoidable circumstances, getting approved will be difficult, so be careful.
• How long is the review period? As a general rule, your tax payment history for the most recent five years before the application will be checked.
2. Social Insurance (Pension & Health Insurance) Payments: "On Time" is the Golden Rule Here Too!
Just like taxes, paying your pension and health insurance premiums "by the due date" is extremely important.
• Late or non-payments are strictly scrutinized. Your payment history for the most recent two years will be reviewed. You must have paid your premiums properly and on time during this period.
• Dependents are also checked. If you are supporting dependents, you as the supporter must be fulfilling your public duties.
3. Annual Income: "Stability" is Key
The "Independent Livelihood Requirement" assesses whether you can expect to have a stable life in the future.
• Judged by household income. The assessment is not based on the applicant's income alone but on the total income and assets of the entire household living together, such as a spouse.
• Consistent, stable income is crucial. It's not enough to have one high-income year. What's important is that you have a stable and continuous income.
Advice for Your Permanent Residency Application 💡
• Always meet the deadlines!: Make sure to pay your taxes and social insurance premiums on time. Using automatic bank transfers is a great way to avoid forgetting.
• Maintain a stable income: If you're thinking about changing jobs, plan it carefully to avoid periods of income instability.
• Hold the "longest" period of stay: You should generally hold a visa with the longest possible period of stay (currently, a "3-year" visa is treated as the longest).
• Be careful with traffic violations: Even minor traffic violations, if repeated, could lead to a judgment that your conduct is not good.
• Consult a professional: If you're unsure about your situation, consider talking to a specialist, such as an administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi).
Getting permanent residency isn't easy, but understanding the requirements and living sincerely every day is the surest path. I hope this post helps you achieve your dream! Good luck! ✨

02/04/2024